In certain embodiments, a method of processing detonation nanodiamonds to fractionate the detonation nanodiamonds involves, in order forming a combination of detonation nanodiamonds and a solvent, said solvent containing at least approximately 10% DMSO (v/v), applying a dispersive technique to said combination, subjecting said combination to a procedure that causes nanodiamond particles of a first size range to be substantially spatially separated from nanodiamonds of a second size range, and collecting said nanodiamonds of said first size range essentially free of said second size range. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.